Graduating with a first class honours from the University of Singapore, Emeritus Professor Ang How Ghee pursued his chemistry career with a passion that earned him three doctorates. His academic appointments and accolades included prestigious fellowships at Peterhouse, Cambridge and the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 in London. His illustrious attainments and achievements continued after he returned to his alma mater where he distinguished himself in teaching and research. He rose to and retired as Senior Professor, acquiring several Fellowships and Awards as part of his very impressive track record. This included his election as Fellow of the Third World Academy of Sciences. He was also the first local recipient of the Singapore Defence Technology Distinguished Fellowship.

Equally impressive is his long list of contributions and service outside the University. Although renowned in Inorganic and Organometallic Chemistry he has also made a name for himself in the field of education and environment, food, health, safety, manpower, science and technology issues and policies. He has served as Chairman and Consultant, Special Advisor, Editor and Board Member, Academic Assessor and Examiner of numerous nationally and internationally bodies including the United Nations. He was for example the Chairman of the former Science Council of Singapore, Chairman of the ASEAN Committee on Science and Technology and Member of the United Nations Advisory Council on Science and Technology for Development. His expertise and experience had been sought by or made available to several government agencies and ministries such as Education, Environment, Labour, Health, Trade and Industry, Defence and the then Ministry of Science and Technology.

Besides the satisfaction of enjoying a high international reputation, Prof Ang's contributions have also been recognised through such prestigious state awards like the Public Service Medal (PBM) and the Public Service Star (BBM), National Science Award, DSTA Team Excellence Award, MINDEF Scientific Award, the Friend of Labour Gold Medal and the ASEAN Meritorious Service Award.

Not resting on his laurels following his retirement from the National University of Singapore where he was conferred an Emeritus Professorship, Prof Ang presently holds the following positions: Director of the Energetics Research Institute (EnRI-NTU), Adjunct Scientific Advisor (DSTA), Special Advisor (DSO National Laboratories), Emeritus Professor (NUS), Research Professor (NTU), and a consultant to ATREC Pte Ltd – serving as Chairman of its Advisory International Panel. He serves as a Member of the Editorial Boards of the Chinese Journal of Energetic Materials in China and the Central European J Energetic Materials in Poland. He is also active on the Advisory Board of the journal 'Nanoscience & Technology' in the Singapore National Academy of Science and the Scientific Committee of the annual symposium on 'New Trends in Research on Energetic Materials' of The Czech Republic.

"Science is an ever enriching resource that continues to change the way we understand and innovate."

In recognition of his accomplishments and contributions, the Faculty of Science honours Emeritus Professor Ang How Ghee with the 2009 Distinguished ScienceAlumni Award.